EQ6 permanent siting advice needed

[Mr Spock]

My garden isn't large enough for an obsy. Unfortunately due to my ongoing bad back (two slipped discs) I'm finding it increasingly difficult to carry the EQ6. It now hasn't been out since May and I'm too scared to lift it just in case.

So, what I thought was, somehow having the EQ6 outside permanently. Possibly on a pier and covered when not in use. I can keep the C925 portable as it's very light.

I know there must be others who have done this so I wondered what you did, and what I need to do. Any advice would be welcome.

[NickK]

Hmm building a concrete pier takes a lot of back-work. A metal pier would be a good interim solution - bolted to a base/existing concrete..

The main thing is to remove humidity using a gel pack inside the waterproof cover - I have 3 layers to prevent water penetration.

[Earl]

Yes you can if yu get a good scope cover to go on the mount which is breathable ties well to keep it sealed to some degree it should be fine, Maybe make a box to fit on the mount with some large silica gel packs in it when covered to help with any excessive moisture.

The only outside problem imo might be security, almost a grands worth of gear stored outside might be a concern. This of course only you can decide based upon your local circumstances.

[perfrej]

Scope covers are fine to use. Make sure that you allow air-flow, though! Under my cover on the balcony is a10Micron GM1000HPS, a Takahashi FSQ-106EDXIII and and SBIG ST-8300M. The cover was made by the same people who made the cover for our boat, so it is real fabric, water tight and very secure. Note that it is open at the bottom to allow some air-flow. I leave the dew heater on all the time, and also the mount if the temperature is below -10°C - just to be safe.

/per

[Scott]

Michael, I bult a steel pier on concrete base wich now has my eq6 permanently mounted. I intend to build a "roll off" phonebooth next summer but have currently got it under a scope cover. I usually cover it when I'm finished for the night then the next day I uncover it to make sure everything is dry and to let a bit of airflow around it. I also leave the dew heaters on until the next day to ensure the glass stays dry . I know your pain mate...I've had two stuffed discs for the last 20+ years . pain killers are your friend  

[Gina]

How about a mini observatory just big enough to take your gear.  The equipment could be remote controlled.  This is what I'm doing for my second rig - for widefield imaging.  See my mini observatory thread if you're interested.  HTH

[laser_jock99]

I have a steel tube pier outside with an EQ6 permanently mounted on it. I like it because it's even quicker to set up than the main obsy if conditions are marginal. It's basically a steel tube bolted to a concrete block. 

The cover is just 3x Poundland BBQ covers, wiring goes to the pier in a buried conduit.

[Mr Spock]

Hmmm... I'm now thinking small roll off shed to house everything. Interesting thought.